Durant’s offense has perplexed Spurs in the past

NBA scoring leader Kevin Durant is the focal point of the Oklahoma City franchise.

Durant is a 6-foot-9 forward who has uncommon shooting instincts from the perimeter.

His length makes him a tough matchup for almost any other NBA small forward. Richard Jefferson will likely get the first shot against him Monday night.

Durant averaged 31.5 points per game last season against the Spurs, including a 45-point effort March 22 in the last time the two teams met that matched his season-best scoring total.

The most effective defender against Durant at times last season was guard George Hill, whose quickness and speed made him difficult for Durant despite his seven-inch size advantage.

“There’s really no way to stop Durant,” Hill said. “He’s a great player, one of the best shooters in the NBA. Any guy who is 6-9 that can put it on the floor and shoot the three and is very smart and very tough to guard.”

Hill explained his success came because of an unusual technique for a smaller player.

“Maybe being a little physical with him, because (of) his size,” Hill said. “You just hope he has an off night. That’s the best thing, you just pray that his shots aren’t falling.”